Remember that time Brie Larson confessed to booting a boyfriend out of her house because he just didn't get how serious her Super Mario Galaxy gameplay was? Well, it seems the universe heard her. Fast forward to today, and that cosmic passion has perfectly aligned with destiny: she's officially voicing Princess Rosalina in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie!
The highly anticipated sequel to 2023's box office smash, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, just unleashed its first trailer during a special Nintendo Direct, and it's jam-packed with stellar reveals. Get ready for familiar faces, brand-new characters, and an epic journey that promises to take us far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom.
TL;DR: Here's the essential lowdown on the Super Mario Galaxy Movie
- The first trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has officially dropped, confirming an intergalactic adventure and a U.S. release date of April 3, 2026.
- Brie Larson joins the voice cast as the cosmic Princess Rosalina, with Benny Safdie stepping in as the mischievous Bowser Jr.
- Returning stars Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kevin Michael Richardson are all back for more Mushroom Kingdom (and beyond) madness.
The new trailer, which premiered on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during a Nintendo Direct livestream, kicked off right where the last film left us: with a miniaturized Bowser. Still imprisoned in his pint-sized castle and under the watchful eyes of Mario and Luigi, Jack Black’s Koopa King is apparently trying to work through his "demons," even if that means painting romantic portraits of himself and Peach that Mario promptly dismisses as "trash."
But the real action ignites when dozens of shooting stars streak across the Mushroom Kingdom sky, prompting Princess Peach and Toad to leap through star-shaped portals into the cosmos. The montage shows Mario and Luigi zipping through a desert planet featuring iconic upturned pyramids reminiscent of Super Mario Odyssey, while Peach showcases her fighting prowess on another world, even fending off Ninjis with her trusty parasol. They also explore a vibrant aquatic planet, complete with Bloopers.
This stellar journey isn't without its challenges. Bowser Jr., armed with a magic paintbrush that's been upgraded to double as a spiked club (oozing what looks like a metallic version of the paint from Super Mario Sunshine), appears, boldly declaring his intent to retrieve his father. The trailer then gives us our first glimpse of Brie Larson's Rosalina, majestically battling a giant spider-like robot called Megaleg – the first boss from the original Super Mario Galaxy game – with her magic wand.
Unveiling the Stellar Ensemble: New and Returning Voices for the Grand Adventure
The beloved voices from the first movie are back, bringing their iconic characters to life once more. Chris Pratt returns as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. It's a reunion of the team that helped the first film net an astounding $559 million in profit after all downstream revenues (Source: Deadline, "‘The Super Mario Bros Movie’ Levels All The Way Up To Win Deadline’s 2023 Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament," November 12, 2025).
But an intergalactic adventure demands new heroes and villains, and this sequel delivers. The biggest new additions to the voice cast are:
- Brie Larson as Princess Rosalina: The guardian of the Lumas and protector of the cosmos, a fan-favorite from the Super Mario Galaxy games.
- Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.: Bowser's mischievous son, known for his magic paintbrush and attempts to help his father.
Larson’s casting is particularly fitting, given her long-documented love for Nintendo and the Super Mario Galaxy game. She once told GamesRadar+ that she "threw [her] first boyfriend out of [her] house because [she] was trying to beat the final level in Super Mario Galaxy" and he told her she was taking it "too seriously" (Source: GamesRadar+, "Brie Larson has joined the cast of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," November 12, 2025). Talk about manifesting a role!
From Console to Cosmos: How the Film Adapts the Beloved Galaxy Game
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is, as its title suggests, directly inspired by the highly acclaimed 2007 Nintendo Wii game. While plot details remain somewhat under wraps, it's expected to adapt the core concept of Mario traversing the cosmos to collect Power Stars and interact with Rosalina and her Lumas. However, the film appears to take a slightly different approach to the initial setup.
In the game, Bowser invades the Mushroom Kingdom, leading to Peach's capture and Mario's subsequent journey into space. The movie trailer, however, shows a still-defeated Bowser, with Peach and Toad voluntarily jumping into warp stars and heading into the cosmos. This could mean a fresh narrative that allows for new explorations of character motivations and relationships, potentially diving deeper into the intriguing fan theories about Rosalina's and Peach’s origins that the games hinted at (Source: IGN, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Nintendo Direct: Everything Announced," November 12, 2025).
Of course, not every detail has been laid bare. Many fans are still eagerly awaiting a full reveal of Yoshi, who was famously teased in the post-credits scene of the first movie with his egg beginning to crack. While he wasn't explicitly shown in the new trailer, leaks from Pillsbury cookie dough packaging have offered a glimpse of his design, featuring Mario riding his loyal dinosaur companion (Source: Polygon, "Pillsbury cookies reveal another look at Yoshi in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, ahead of a full trailer release," November 12, 2025). So, while he's not front and center yet, it seems Yoshi is definitely coming along for the ride!
The Visionaries Behind the Galaxy: Shigeru Miyamoto's Insights on the Sequel
The success of the first film, which grossed $1.36 billion worldwide and was one of the highest-grossing animated films of 2023, has set a high bar. But Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto, who is co-producing the sequel with Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri, is confident. In a recent interview, Miyamoto shared his enthusiasm:
"We’re in the final stages of production now, but I think it’s going to be fun. I usually just say, ‘I’ll keep working on it until it becomes fun,’ so that alone should tell you how confident I am (laughs)."
— Shigeru Miyamoto (Source: VGC, "Shigeru Miyamoto discusses the Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the future of Super Mario games," November 12, 2025)
Miyamoto also touched on his ongoing role in the broader Mario universe, ensuring each new entry, whether game or film, retains its "Mario-ness" – a blend of accessibility and uniqueness. He humorously noted his commitment, saying, "I just hope to stay healthy until Mario’s 50th anniversary!" His dedication, even in a more supervisory role, ensures that the spirit of Mario continues to shine through.
What This Means for Viewers: Preparing for a Cosmic Leap
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie isn't just another animated film; it's a testament to the enduring power of a franchise that has captivated generations. With a stellar returning cast, exciting new additions like Brie Larson and Benny Safdie, and the visionary guidance of Shigeru Miyamoto and Illumination, this sequel is poised to be a truly out-of-this-world experience.
For example, imagine being in the cinema, and suddenly you spot Mario and Luigi on motorbikes against those distinctive upside-down pyramids from Super Mario Odyssey. That quick, knowing nod to specific game levels adds an extra layer of enjoyment for long-time fans, making the cinematic experience feel even more connected to the games we love. These small details show how much thought goes into bridging the gap between console and big screen.
However, it's worth noting some aspects. While the trailer is exciting, the plot appears to diverge quite early from the Super Mario Galaxy game's opening, with Bowser already defeated and Peach voluntarily heading into space. This might surprise fans expecting a more direct adaptation of the game's initial conflict. Additionally, despite strong hints, a full, official reveal of Yoshi in action is still pending, leaving a little something for future trailers to explore. These minor points don't diminish the excitement but are worth keeping in mind as we await more details.
Practical Takeaways for Your Movie-Going Experience
- Mark Your Calendars: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits U.S. cinemas on April 3, 2026, and Japan on April 24, 2026.
- Get Ready for New Faces: Brie Larson (Rosalina) and Benny Safdie (Bowser Jr.) are major additions, bringing fresh energy to the established voice cast.
- Expect Familiarity with a Twist: While based on the classic Galaxy game, the movie will offer new narrative avenues, especially concerning Bowser's status and Peach's journey.
- Keep an Eye Out for Easter Eggs: The trailer already hinted at Super Mario Odyssey elements, so prepare for more game references for seasoned fans.
- Yoshi's Arrival is Imminent: Though not front and center yet, his appearance is all but confirmed, so anticipate his official debut in future promotions!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Sources
- Deadline, "‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Trailer: Mario And Luigi Return In Animated Sequel As Brie Larson & Benny Safdie Join Voice Cast," November 12, 2025.
- IGN, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Nintendo Direct: Everything Announced," November 12, 2025.
- Variety, "‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Trailer: Mario Heads to Space, Meets Brie Larson’s Rosalina and Benny Safdie’s Bowser Jr.," November 12, 2025.
- Ars Technica, "‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ trailer teases galactic adventure, new cast members," November 12, 2025.
- VGC, "Shigeru Miyamoto discusses the Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the future of Super Mario games," November 12, 2025.
- Newsweek, "What Happens in the New ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Trailer?," November 12, 2025.
- GamesRadar+, "Brie Larson has joined the cast of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," November 12, 2025.
- Polygon, "Pillsbury cookies reveal another look at Yoshi in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, ahead of a full trailer release," November 12, 2025.
- Game Informer, "Everything We Learned In Nintendo's Direct For The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," November 12, 2025.
- Mashable, "Nintendo Direct: 'Super Mario Galaxy' movie trailer and cast revealed," November 12, 2025.